Workingmen's Party of the United States

The Workingmen's Party of the United States (WPUS) was a socialist political party in the United States which existed from 1876 to 1878. It was founded as the merger of seven Marxist societies who convened in Philadelphia to create a united party, and it championed strong trade unions, strikes, and boycotts to develop class consciousness through class conflict. During the 1877 railroad strikes, the party, led by the well-spoken Albert Parsons, rallied support for the striking railroad workers. In 1878, the party captured 5 of 7 seats in the Kentucky state legislature, and new chapters of the party formed in cities around the country. In 1878, it became the Socialist Labor Party of America.